Just champions at Auchterellon

Aucherellon School pupils with the the Barclays Premier League Trophy.

Published:13:21Friday 21 December 2012

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PUPILS at an Ellon primary were spellbound this week when the Barclays Premier League trophy made an appearance at their school.

The silverware, complete with the ribbons of champions Manchester City, was paraded at Auchterellon School on Tuesday - much to the delight of the youngsters and staff. The visit was organised by Richard Mullen, of the North East Scotland Manchester City Supporters’ Branch, whose daughter Erin is in P5 at Auchterellon.

Richard lost a close friend to brain cancer this year and has been determined to raise funds for brain cancer charities.

He said: “Obviously City give every fan the opportunity to see the trophy normally by attending the ground, but I decided to go a little bit further by actually asking them if they could bring it up for our Christmas fundraiser.

“Actually I got a door open rather than a door shut in my face which I thought was very good. We are doing it for brain tumour research and brain cancers in general. “The club asked if we could do it for their charity as well so we are also doing it for City in the Community, which allows these wee boys and girls the chance to see the trophy and to be inspired by it.

“This is the year we are on about legacies and inspiring people so we were delighted at the opportunity to bring it up.”

The fundraising event, organised by the supporters’ branch, was held at Meldrum House on Tuesday night in aid of Brain Tumour Research.

The league trophy had pride of place at the evening and all those who attended had a photo oppertunity with the silverware included in the ticket price.

Richard, who lives in Ellon, added: “I still can’t believe we have managed to get the trophy up here and it is the original one as well. When you think of the players who have held it aloft it’s amazing. I’m very proud.”

The only condition that the club put on sending the trophy north was that we had to fly security guards up.

Groups of Auchterellon pupils were photographed with the trophy and staff were also impressed with the occasion.

Jonathan Cordiner, deputy head teacher, said Richard had approached the school and asked if they would be interested in displaying the trophy.

Mr Cordiner explained: “We said we would be absolutely delighted because not only the pupils, but the staff were very excited at the prospect of the real Premiership trophy coming in, because there a lot iof replicas out there.

“The pupils are very aware that this cup has been lifted by Tevez and by Rooney and they are very excited to see it.”

The school organised a timetable for each class to be pictured for 5-10 minutes alongside the silverware.

Mr Cordiner said: “There two things really. First of all they get a chance to see the Premiership trophy, but more importantly they get a little bit of background as to why the trophy is here, and again raise awareness of the charity, Brain Tumour Research.